Wednesday, 8 May 2013

Nigerians keen on SA - Zuma

More than 100 South African companies were doing business in Nigeria across several industries, President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday.

"To date, over 100 companies are doing business in Nigeria, with the biggest investment being in the telecommunications sector," Zuma said in a speech prepared for delivery to welcome President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, who is visiting the country for the first time.

"We welcome the participation of South African business in other sectors in Nigeria as well, such as engineering, construction, media, banking, retail, hospitality, oil and gas exploration and services."

Zuma said there had also been keen interest from Nigerian businesses to invest and do business in South Africa across a number of sectors.

Last year South Africa received a total of 73 282 Nigerian tourists, which was a 13.8 percent increase compared with 64 402 Nigerian visitors in 2011, said Zuma.

"Our records indicate that Nigerian tourists contributed a total of R720-million to the South African economy last year. To boost tourism links further, South Africa is in the process of opening a tourism office in Lagos."

Zuma urged South Africans to also visit Nigeria and explore "this sister country, which has historically played a prominent role in the continent and in world affairs".